McLaren Medical Group Provider
McLaren Health care employs primary care physicians and specialists at convenient locations with varying hours and same-day appointments where available to ensure your healthcare is covered for all stages of life.

Influenza A vs. B: What's the difference?

Patients have been steadily arriving in significant numbers to the McLaren Oakland and McLaren Clarkston emergency departments with symptoms consistent with influenza B, signaling a spread of the flu strain within the community.

This late-season spike comes on the heels of a weaker flu season, when compared to previous years.

"Having fewer cases of influenza A does not have any impact on the prevalence strains of influenza B can have," said Dr. Harrison Tong, physician and director of emergency medicine at McLaren Oakland and McLaren Clarkston. "One does not increase or decrease the spread of the other, but it's quite common to see late-season surges like we're currently seeing."

While the symptoms of influenza B mirrors those of influenza A, the main difference between the two strains is who it can affect. Strains of influenza B are exclusively contracted by humans, while influenza A can be carried (and spread) by animals, however, both strains are transmitted mainly by respiratory droplets from coughing and contact with an infected person.

This allows strains of A to be spread more rapidly than B, while also meaning strains of B cannot cause pandemics with symptoms likely less severe. Flu shots protect against both strains of influenza.

"There are some differences from influenza strains A and B, but this does not diminish the need for medical intervention," Dr. Tong said. "If you or someone you know starts to show symptoms, avoid contact and seek treatment, especially those patients with high fever, extremes of age and those with a compromised immune system."

Flu symptoms to watch for include:

Fever/feeling the "chills"

Cough

Sore throat

Congestion

Runny nose

Headaches

Muscle and other body aches

Fatigue

McLaren Now Virtual VisitSee A Doctor 24/7

Open with a web browser

The McLarenNow virtual visit app allows you to see a McLaren provider when you need it from the comfort of your own home.